[pitoufsd]

Some time ago, when I had trouble finding a laundry service that accepts washing underwear, I thought wryly: “isn't it ironic? Thailand is the only country where it's easier to have your underwear pulled down than to have it washed with the rest of the laundry.” This turned my frustrated face smiling.

Then I thought, why not apply this line of thought to the rest of the minor annoyances of living in this country. Maybe looking at the light side of it will make it easier to cope with. So, here are some that I gathered from the seven months of living here. I hope that some of the veteran expats and visitors will provide us with more, along the same lines.

A fancy thing about Thai commerce is that it's easier (and sometimes cheaper) to buy a human being than, say, a piece of cheese. [Doesn’t apply to Bangkok - the capital has ample supply of both for sale].

It is well-known that they rarely show up promptly for an appointment, or could miss it entirely without remorse - but that's not to say Thais are not punctual! They can recall their time of birth to the exact hour, minute and second. How's that for punctual?

One of the principal sources of Thai pride is that they've never been colonized by foreign powers. I find this particularly puzzling, because at the same time they don't seem to mind that the majority are slaving away for miserable wages (or sometimes for nothing) - whatever their more affluent fellow countrymen (usually of Chinese descent) let them keep. Internal colonization, I guess, doesn’t matter.

Also, seeing so much admirable pride in one's country and Royal Family, it makes the European visitors baffled why the same pride doesn't extend to practical matters such as keeping the streets clean, showing at least minimal regard to law, and having a bit more environmental awareness.

Another puzzling though is that they trust their children's education on Farang - yet, at the same time they seem to treat the same Farang as if he had the average intelligence of an ATM.

Speaking of children; they are pampered and well-cared for in Thailand. Yet, Thais don't hesitate to shove their entire families in the back of a pick-up, or a baby in the front basket of a motorcycle, while four-five others share the seat meant for two.

Upcountry cops pull motorcycle riders over for not wearing a helmet - while passengers not wearing helmets are OK. (As if their heads won't crack on impact...).

And if we are still at the topic of driving; the generally polite and calm Thais seem to have a Jai-yen button somewhere that's turned off every time they get to sit in front of a steering wheel - or have to queue at a supermarket.

If you take this list of harmless "complaints" too seriously, it may make a frown on your face. Then think of something that will make you smile! That's probably the intention of the Thai when he shows up dressed in an elegant suit - completed with a worn-out pair of green flip-flops!

Smile!


(Oh, by the way: I'm still doing my own laundry. ^_^ )